President Salva Kiir has endorsed the plans to launch the Torit University of Science and Technology (TUST) after receiving a detailed briefing from Eastern Equatoria State Governor Louis Lobong Lojore.
In a meeting on Monday in Juba, Governor Lobong briefed the
President about plans to operationalize the Torit University of Science and
Technology. He said the institution is intended to provide affordable higher
education for students within Eastern Equatoria, particularly those whose
families cannot afford to send them outside the state for further studies.
“The Governor appealed to development partners and
well-wishers to support the initiative financially, emphasizing the importance
of education in sustaining peace and progress,” statement from the office
of the president reads.
In May 2025, Radio Tamzuj reported that the governor appealed
for SSP 437 million to start operationalization of the university. The plans
aim to begin in the 2025/26 academic year with the Colleges of Engineering,
Agriculture, Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, and Business
Administration and Management.
“President Kiir welcomed the proposal and reaffirmed the
government’s commitment to expanding access to higher education across the
country,” Kiir’s office stated.
Torit University of Science and Technology (TUST) was established
by a Presidential decree on April 18, 2010, and its first vice chancellor Dr.
Victor Loku Kwajok was appointed on May 3, 2010.
TUST had outlined a phased approach to its academic
activities, with the first group of students expected in 2011.
In August 2010, a TUST delegation visited Eastern Equatoria State
to discuss the university's establishment with local government and
stakeholders. The response from the government, local communities, and various
stakeholders was positive.
Key results from this visit included identifying university sites, such as the Torit Technical Secondary School and two additional campuses (Momoi and Enyif).
Hon. Remy Oiler was nominated to chair the university’s
governing council. Michael Lopuke, who was the state minister of education,
science and technology at that time, was confirmed by Governor Lobong as the
focal point for establishment of the university.
The university had asked the Government of Southern Sudan
(GOSS) and the Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research, and
Technology (MOHESRT) to support the establishment by funding infrastructure,
such as administrative buildings, transport, and accommodation but that has not
happened.
Once fully operational, the Torit University of Science and Technology is expected to become a regional center for science, innovation, and community development.